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Create NSW opens call to regions to stage micro-music festivals

Local councils, businesses and musicians across regional NSW are being encouraged to work together as part of an initiative that will see local musicians showcased across free family-friendly Live and Local micro-music festivals throughout 2017/18.

Following hugely successful events in Parramatta, Camden and Wollondilly, Create NSW and the Live Music Office are now seeking expressions of interest from regional NSW councils to apply for anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 in support to cover the fees of musicians, curators and technicians to stage events in their areas.

Six Local Government Areas will be supported under the initiative and in line with the NSW Government’s Create in NSW 10-year policy framework, priority will be given to applications that support under-represented groups including people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, young people, people with disability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Create NSW Chief Executive Michael Brealey said that the free events have delivered incredible results for communities that can be seen on many levels, commenting “Live and Local events have had a very positive impact on the communities in their respective areas, and have proved to be a great way of showcasing some of the best acts that our diverse NSW music scene has to offer.

“But the benefits haven’t stopped there, as they have created new jobs, brought increased custom for local cafes and restaurants and increased footfall and sales for local retailers. It has been fantastic to see them bring multigenerational groups together to enjoy each event.

“We’re excited about bringing more of these events to life across regional NSW with the Live Music Office and looking at longer-term strategies so that we continue to deliver new opportunities for NSW musicians to increase their engagement with their local communities.”

Live Music Office Director John Wardle added “Live and Local micro-music festivals are a highly effective way to connect communities with their local artists and venues, as well as also building relationships and capacity with the music industry and regional NSW councils.

“Having delivered a number of these events already, the Live Music Office is looking forward to more jobs and opportunities for local musicians across regional NSW as the micro-festivals are underway in the year ahead.”

The initiative is also seeking six further councils from Western Sydney, not including those who have already applied or are in the process of staging events.